Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
As I open my computer to start writing my first article as 2022 HGAR President for Real Estate In-Depth, I go through several thoughts, emotions, and directions! I quickly check my e-mail, look at the Instagram posts and click around the MLS……I feel a sense of urgency, a sense of optimism and resilience despite all that is going on around us.
Resilience is defined as the ability of people or things to recover quickly after something unpleasant, such as shock, injury, etc. In our case, it has been 24 months of COVID-19 and its impact. If 2020 and 2021 taught us anything, it was that the epidemic is here to stay, and that we must negotiate this new normal to succeed. In 2022, how will that new normal present itself? No one is sure how much longer the pandemic will last. Although things are still uncertain, we are in this together.
I am not exaggerating to say that we will increasingly have to manage within similar scenarios of not only unforeseen but also unthinkable change in the future, as we face severe climate change, virulent new epidemics, legislative headwinds, unstable societal conditions, to name a few. With all present circumstances…. how do we handle, manage and overcome adversity? It’s time to Renew, Re-Energize and Re-Engage! That’s Who We R®!
As leaders, encourage yourself when other people collapse. You keep on going because you must have something inside of you that is renewed during the time of battle. Renewal requires opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and feeling. The National Association of Realtors adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913. What does this mean to you in your professional endeavor? It means all Realtors have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public. Would you renew your commitment to walk in the Pathways to professionalism?
The real estate industry continues to change dramatically. As we begin this new year, I urge you to be steadfast and with a renewed commitment to the duties we have to clients, customers, and the public even as it evolves with the times. What gives me the greatest strength is the power and connectivity of our association. More than ever before, we need one another—to help provide guidance, insight, and faith. We have a commitment and a responsibility to be an authoritative voice for our members and our community right now.
My main goals for my presidency are to continue the great work of so many within our association, to constantly strive to elevate our profession within our ranks, Renew relationships association wide, Re-energize Realtors to uphold Fair Housing principles, promote principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Re-engage in the Realtor Party and to enhance our service to the community in which we live and work.
Re-en·er·gize—give fresh vitality…… to serving our clients and customers, enthusiasm in upholding the Fair Housing Principles and a fervor to face challenges of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion! We must work to actively avoid tokenizing new members and create a true culture of inclusion to ultimately dismantle systemic racism by dissolving barriers and creating unity.
I quote Mahatma Gandhi who said: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. We need not wait to see what others do.”
We each look for exceptional experiences in our daily lives, so treat others better than you’d like to be treated.
To Re-engage, we need to be fully present. To be fully present we must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused and spiritually aligned with a purpose beyond our own immediate self-interest. As our industry faces strong legislative headwinds, it’s time to Re-engage in the Realtor Party which is the only advocacy group in America that fights exclusively for home ownership, real estate investment, strong communities, and the free enterprise system. It’s time to Re-invest in RPAC. Now more than ever, it is critical for Realtors across America to come together and speak with one voice about the stability a sound and dynamic real estate market brings to our communities.
My work is not focused on the political right or the left. Let’s focus on housing affordability, flood insurance, rent control, housing finance reform, property taxes and to support current and future homeowners. It is up to all of us to invest in and own the process, celebrate the successes, and lean forward to ultimately Own Who We R®.
Remember, HGAR is YOUR Association and we need YOUR knowledge, experience, involvement, input and feedback to ensure success in 2022! I hope that you volunteer or answer, “Yes, how can I help?” when called upon to participate in a focus group or task force.
We have so much to look forward to in 2022, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as President of such a valued organization, and to work with so many talented individuals who each bring a new perspective and skill set to the table. It is my passion to serve and support you, and to raise the bar for all real estate professionals. So, let’s Renew, Re-Energize and Re-Engage and get 2022 off to a fabulous start… let’s Move Forward Together! We R® HGAR Strong!
Women often remain underrepresented in boardrooms, executive suites, and political offices, highlighting the ongoing need for concerted efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion.
As we celebrate the achievements of the past, I look forward to continuing HGAR’s efforts to challenge preconceived notions, embrace diversity, and work towards an equitable and even more inclusive association.
Together, we have the power to shape the trajectory of our Association, to inspire positive change, and to foster an environment where innovation flourishes and every member feels valued.
Americans just don't know about what REALTORS® do and the profound impact we have in our communities. Let's change that, starting now.
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